How to Fix Windows 11 Apps Not Opening

📚 Table of Contents

Why Are Windows 11 Apps Not Opening?
Method 1: Restart Your PC
Method 2: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter
Method 3: Reset or Repair the Problematic App
Method 4: Re-register All Windows Apps via PowerShell
Method 5: Check for Windows Updates and Install Pending
Method 6: Run SFC and DISM Scans
Method 7: Create a New User Account
Method 8: Temporarily Disable Antivirus and Firewall
Method 9: Perform a System Restore or In-Place Upgrade
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
External Resources (DoFollow)
Related Guides & Hub

You double‑click the Microsoft Store, Calculator, Photos, or even a third‑party app, but nothing happens. The cursor spins for a moment, then stops — the app never opens. This “Windows 11 apps not opening” problem can affect both built‑in Windows apps and software you installed yourself. The good news is that most app launch failures have straightforward fixes. In this 2026 guide, I’ll walk you through 9 proven methods to get your apps running again. Most fixes take less than five minutes and don’t require reinstalling Windows.

Why Are Windows 11 Apps Not Opening?

When Windows 11 apps are not opening, the cause is usually one of these:

Corrupted app installation: The app’s files or registry entries are damaged.
Outdated Windows or app: Missing updates can cause compatibility issues.
Corrupted system files: SFC/DISM can repair underlying OS corruption.
User profile corruption: A damaged user account prevents apps from launching.
Third‑party antivirus or firewall interference: Security software may block legitimate apps.
Windows Store cache corruption: Microsoft Store and UWP apps rely on a clean cache.
Background services disabled: Some apps need specific services (e.g., Software Protection).

Let’s fix it step by step.

Method 1: Restart Your PC

A simple restart clears temporary glitches that may be preventing apps from launching. This is the quickest first step.

Step 1: Press Windows + X → Shut down or sign out → Restart.

Step 2: After reboot, try opening the app again.

✅ Expected Result: The app opens normally after the restart.

Why This Works: A restart clears RAM and terminates stuck processes that may be blocking app execution.

Method 2: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows includes a dedicated troubleshooter for Microsoft Store and built‑in apps. It can automatically detect and fix common issues.

Step 1: Press Windows + I → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.

Step 2: Find “Windows Store Apps” in the list and click “Run.”

Step 3: Follow the on‑screen instructions. The troubleshooter will scan and attempt repairs.

Step 4: After completion, restart your PC and test the app.

✅ Expected Result: The troubleshooter fixes the issue, and apps start working again.

Why This Works: The troubleshooter resets the app registry, clears the Store cache, and repairs license issues.

Method 3: Reset or Repair the Problematic App

Windows 11 allows you to reset or repair UWP apps (Microsoft Store apps) without uninstalling them. This clears corrupted data while preserving the app.

Step 1: Press Windows + I → Apps → Installed apps.

Step 2: Find the app that won’t open. Click the three dots (⋮) next to it → Advanced options.

Step 3: Scroll down to “Reset.” Click “Repair” first (if available). If that doesn’t work, click “Reset.”

Step 4: Confirm the action. The app will be restored to its default state.

Step 5: Launch the app again.

✅ Expected Result: After resetting, the app opens normally.

⚠️ Note / Warning: Resetting an app deletes its local data (settings, login info) but not your personal files. For desktop apps, use the app’s own repair option (e.g., through Settings → Apps → Modify).

Why This Works: Corrupted app data is the most common reason apps fail to open. Resetting rebuilds that data.

Method 4: Re-register All Windows Apps via PowerShell

If multiple apps are failing, the app registration in Windows may be corrupted. Re‑registering all apps can fix this.

Step 1: Right‑click Start → Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).

Step 2: Copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

Step 3: Wait for the command to complete (may take a few minutes). You may see red error messages — ignore them.

Step 4: Restart your PC and test your apps.

✅ Expected Result: All Microsoft Store and built‑in apps now open correctly.

Why This Works: This command re‑registers every app’s manifest file, fixing broken registry entries.

Method 5: Check for Windows Updates and Install Pending

Missing updates, especially cumulative updates, can cause apps to fail. Also, a buggy update may have broken apps — checking for a hotfix is critical.

Step 1: Press Windows + I → Windows Update → Check for updates.

Step 2: Install any pending updates, including optional driver updates.

Step 3: After updating, restart your PC and test the app.

Step 4: If the problem started immediately after an update, go to Update history → Uninstall updates → Remove the most recent update.

✅ Expected Result: After updating or rolling back, apps start working.

Why This Works: Microsoft patches app‑breaking bugs regularly. Running an outdated version keeps those bugs active.

Method 6: Run SFC and DISM Scans

Corrupted system files can prevent apps from launching. The System File Checker (SFC) and DISM tools can repair these files.

Step 1: Right‑click Start → Terminal (Admin).

Step 2: Run DISM first: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. Press Enter and wait (up to 15 minutes).

Step 3: Then run SFC: sfc /scannow. Press Enter and wait for completion.

Step 4: Restart your PC and test your apps.

✅ Expected Result: Corrupted system files are repaired, and apps now open.

Why This Works: DISM restores the system image, and SFC replaces damaged system files that apps depend on.

Method 7: Create a New User Account

If apps work for other users but not for your account, your user profile is likely corrupted. Creating a new account is a reliable fix.

Step 1: Settings → Accounts → Other users (or Family & other users).

Step 2: Click “Add account” → “I don’t have this person’s sign‑in information” → “Add a user without a Microsoft account.”

Step 3: Enter a username and password (optional). Click “Next.”

Step 4: Sign out of your current account and sign into the new one.

Step 5: Test the problematic app. If it works, transfer your files to the new account.

✅ Expected Result: Apps open normally under the new user account.

Why This Works: A corrupted user profile can prevent app execution. A fresh profile bypasses the corruption.

Method 8: Temporarily Disable Antivirus and Firewall

Third‑party security software may mistakenly block legitimate apps. Windows Defender can also sometimes interfere.

Step 1: Temporarily disable your antivirus (right‑click its icon in the system tray → Disable or Pause).

Step 2: Turn off Windows Defender Firewall: Control Panel → Windows Defender Firewall → Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off → Turn off for both private and public networks.

Step 3: Test the app. If it opens, add the app to your antivirus/firewall exception list, then re‑enable protection.

✅ Expected Result: After disabling security software, the app launches. Adding an exception keeps you protected.

Why This Works: Overzealous security software can block apps from executing. Temporary disabling identifies the conflict.

Method 9: Perform a System Restore or In-Place Upgrade

If all else fails, revert your system to a point when apps worked, or perform an in‑place upgrade to repair Windows without losing files.

Option A – System Restore: Search “Create a restore point” → System Restore → Choose a restore point before the problem started → Follow prompts.

Option B – In‑Place Upgrade: Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft. Run it and select “Keep personal files and apps.” This reinstalls Windows while preserving your data.

✅ Expected Result: After restore or upgrade, apps open normally.

⚠️ Note / Warning: System Restore does not affect personal files, but it’s wise to back up first. An in‑place upgrade is safe but requires a stable internet connection.

Why This Works: System Restore reverts problematic changes. An in‑place upgrade replaces system files without erasing your data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why do Microsoft Store apps not open but desktop apps work?

This points to an issue with the Windows App runtime or Store cache. Try Methods 2 (troubleshooter), 3 (reset app), or 4 (re‑register apps).

2. How do I fix “This app can’t open” error in Windows 11?

Right‑click the app icon → More → App settings → Click “Repair” or “Reset.” Also check Windows Update for pending patches.

3. Can a virus cause apps not to open?

Yes, malware can block app execution. Run a full Windows Security scan (Settings → Privacy & security → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options → Full scan).

4. Why does an app open but then immediately close?

This is often a compatibility or corrupted installation issue. Try running the app as administrator (right‑click → Run as administrator). If that fails, reinstall the app.

5. What is the difference between Repair and Reset for an app?

Repair attempts to fix the app without affecting your data. Reset deletes all app data and restores it to the default state. Use Repair first.

6. Will resetting Windows 11 fix apps not opening?

Yes, but it’s a last resort. Use “Reset this PC” with “Keep my files” to avoid losing data. It fixes deep system corruption.

7. How do I reinstall the Microsoft Store itself?

Open PowerShell as Administrator and run: Get-AppXPackage *Microsoft.WindowsStore* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}. Then restart.

External Resources (DoFollow Links)

🔗 This guide is part of our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub

✍️ HowToFixPro Team
Our team has tested these methods on Windows 11 versions 22H2 through 25H2 on Dell, HP, Lenovo, and custom PCs. Each fix is verified as of June 2026.
Last updated: June 12, 2026

Windows 11 Apps Not Opening? 9 Ways to Fix Them Fast